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KOVAH: THE SOUL SEEKER is released today!! From author, C.J. Pinard (The Rebel Riders, The Beautiful Immortals) comes the paranormal, fantasy romance that fans have been waiting for. After following Nolan Bishop (the Rebel Riders trilogy) almost losing his soul from being bitten by a succubus, it is now time to hear Kovah’s story; the hybrid, half-human/half-vamp, who hates and hunts vampires, slaying them, and feeling despair and angry for what he has become. But, when he begins to have a purpose, friends and emotions he never thought he’d feel again, will he be able to admit it to himself that his existence maybe not so bad afterall?

Blurb:The night Dominic DeLuca meets a succubus, his life of all-night partying and college classes is over in an instant. Fundamentally transformed inside and out after killing her, he exists much differently for the next 10 years than he had before. When his freakish eyes and lack of aging become too much to explain, he leaves Dominic and New York behind and becomes Kovah Sanagra, the foul-mouthed, angry vampire-hunting hybrid who literally has nothing left to lose.

His new life takes him to New Orleans, where he finds pleasure in the large variety of vampires he has to choose from when he wants to kill something. But when a female vampire who had helped him in the past shows up during his hunt, he realizes he has some unresolved feelings he’d rather not deal with. Upon meeting Archie and the Rebel Riders, Kovah feels as if his life might have some purpose; some direction. But still, the female vampire keeps showing up… and when a time comes that she needs Kovah’s help, is he going to repay her for how she saved him so many years ago, or will his hatred for the vampire race override what he knows he feels for her in his hardened heart?

This deliciously dark, fantasy paranormal romance is the perfect escapism. After being introduced to the strong, stand-out character of Kovah in the Rebel Riders series, fans (myself included) have been eagerly awaiting this stand out novel, Kovah. A hybrid, half-vamp/half-human, turned after losing his soul to a succubus, Kovah now spends his evenings with his motorcycle friends, the Rebel Riders, eliminating vampires and, his favourites, succubae.

Kovah’s character is dark, mysterious, stand-offish to most and particularly aggressive to vamps, but he is an incredibly exciting character. He may be a survivor but he has lost his life as he once knew it. He has given in to the understanding that he’ll never age, and most probably never have the long term love that many enjoy. He acts the tough guy, and is often one, but deep down he knows nobody would cope easily with his experiences, and the nightmares he has are constant reminders of what happened to him.

Like PTSD, he relives the events over and over, which ultimately leave him with a peed off attitude. He has an exhilarating, dangerous past that overwhelms him. And, although a badass with aggressive tendencies, there are moments when his emotions have led to him crying in despair, in shock, for what he has done and what he has become.

However, Kovah is not as alone as he thinks. He has Archie, his boss at the motorcycle garage and leader of the Rebel Riders, along with his new companion, Nolan Bishop. After his first suspicious instincts, there becomes a growing respect and friendship between these two. To fully appreciate how Kovah and Nolan become so close it is highly recommended that the Rebel Riders trilogy (Nolan’s story) be read as it details encounters between the two more intricately. And, lastly, there is Violet; the female vampire that saves him in his darkest moment, and years later comes back in his life.

To relieve his aggression, just for kicks, he has been seeing Janice, a kinky vamp that provides him with the release he needs. However, in contrast to her are his growing feelings for Violet. It is interesting to see how this situation unfolds, how Kovah deals with his feelings, especially as his strong dislike for vamps won’t allow him to get too involved with one. They can’t be trusted. Or, can they?

A member of the BSI (Bureau of Supernatural Investigation), Violet, has been made aware of a vamp motorcycle gang and approaches Kovah for help. His capabilities, being a hybrid, may allow him to get close and find out more. But, will Kovah get in too deep, and will he really be willing to help Violet out?

Kovah is a very suspenseful read that is complete with action, surprises, romance and fun. It is a quick read due to the pace of the story, with some excellent characters to follow, both new and old. The author has written Kovah in first person, which I enjoy as a reader simply because it allows the reader to get inside the head of the main character, understanding their thought processes, and in turn their actions/reactions.

It is a great read that fans of the series will absolutely love. As mentioned before, I strongly recommend that the whole Rebel Riders series be read to fully appreciate Kovah’s character, how he stands out in the series, and to see his relationship with Nolan blossom and become a great bromance!

An Advanced Reader’s Copy was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

#dark #erotic #paranormal #romance

When Susan Innes comes to visit her friend, Annie Rivers, in Chapel House, the deconsecrated church that Annie is renovating into a home, she discovers her outgoing friend changed, reclusive, secretive, and completely enthralled by a mysterious lover, whose presence is always felt, but never seen, a lover whom she claims is god. As her holiday turns into a nightmare, Susan must come to grips with the fact that her friend’s lover is neither imaginary nor is he human, and even worse, he’s turned his wandering eye on Susan, and he won’t be denied his prize. If Susan is to fight an inhuman stalker intent on having her as his own, she’ll need a little inhuman help.

My Review ~5 deliciously dark stars!

A Dark and Lustful Delight

A bloody brilliant read! In the Flesh, book #1 in the Medusa’s Consortium series, is a sizzling and darkly erotic paranormal romance that will not only push your buttons but keep you on your toes with a plot that will keep you guessing. It contains some sizzling scenes that left me, like Susan the heroine, panting for more! I am certainly looking forward to more books in the series.

I adored the main setting for the book, the gothic and decidedly eerie deconsecrated church in the North of England that Annie, Susan’s friend, is renovating as her home. It is there that some truly terrifying events play out as first Annie and then Susan succumb to the entity in residence, a sexual predator who will not take no for an answer and whose powers and twisted desires are far from human… When Susan becomes his latest obsession will she too fall under his spell or will she be able to resist his addictive touch in which her sanity and very life is at risk? Is it already too late?

Susan soon finds that she needs help if she is to resist and defeat the entity that would possess and devour her and help (and romance) comes from some unexpected sources. The read is packed full of suspense and danger and oozes lust and raw sexuality. Twists and turns abound as Susan’s free will is threatened by dark desires she cannot control. Will she escape or will she succumb to the demon’s almost god like powers over her desires?

I just loved Michael, the builder who comes to Susan’s aid and the many other supporting characters, all of whom are superbly well drawn and I am looking forward to getting to know more about them in future books in the series. I will not reveal much more, except to say that if you love dark erotic romances, especially those that delve into the depths of human desires and contain creatures of mythology and your darkest dreams then you need to read this book NOW!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note that a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Adult content

If you are after a romantic paranormal/fantasy read which has plenty of action with a kick-ass heroine or two, out -of-this-world lovemaking scenes, magic and mayhem, then you will want to consider Shane North’s Angelis Vampire series. Aside from the vamps there are werewolves and a host of other immortal beings who are striving to co-exist alongside the world of mortals. And, talking of worlds, we also have the key role played by Angelis, a world in another time dimension but which plays a pivotal role in the series.

If you want to read an interview with Shane, posted previously on our blog, which includes an extract from Shannon, the first book in the series click here. You can currently download Shannon for FREE:

Blurb

Shannon’s life is happy except for her nightmares, but when she watches her mom and dad being murdered by the monsters in her dreams, her life falls apart. Her best friend turns out to be a werewolf, the man she thinks of as her other father is the alpha male, and her long lost uncle is a vampire lord from Angelis. Angelis is in another time dimension, a world ruled by Royals, a pureblooded line of vampires with powers never seen in this time dimension. Angelis is a medieval world of castles, and ancient magic that her mother and uncle were forced to leave to save their lives.

Shannon’s journey leads her to follow her destiny and meet the love of her life. Destiny and her uncle lead her to find out what she really is, where she came from, and to become the strongest immortal to live. Shannon learns to kill quickly, and to love like there’s no tomorrow when she meets her mate from her dreams. Simon, an eight-hundred year old Viking has searched the world for his true love when he meets Shannon. What will Shannon’s uncle, Simon’s maker, have to say about this? A young woman from South beach, destined to overthrow the vampire council and rule the immortal race with the help of the ancient Shaman Neeb.

My Review

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance with a powerful heroine ~ 4 stars

Shannon, book #1 in the Angelis Vampire series is a sweet, but at the same time erotic paranormal/fantasy romance, with an original storyline. It contains a powerful heroine, magic, vampires, werewolves, fated mates and a battle between good and evil.

For me the read also has the feel of a New Adult/coming of age novel and this fits the storyline as the kick-ass heroine Shannon is trying to come to terms with her legacy after being thrust into the world of immortals. Her life is now far more complicated than that of a young woman from South Beach! She finds out that she is descended from a union between Callidora, a royal from Angelis, a world in another time dimension, and Connor an alpha werewolf.

Instead of going clubbing and shopping she needs to concentrate on using her growing powers – which due to her lineage are considerable, to destroy the evil Vampire Assembly, who murdered he parents and seize power. To the Assembly Shannon, the offspring of a forbidden union of werewolf and vampire, is an abomination to be destroyed.

Shannon’s task is not easy – she has to come to terms with the vast changes that are taking place in her life and the physical and mental challenges of being an immortal. It is fortunate that she has found the vampire Simon, her life-mate.

There are a numerous battle scenes, where Shannon and others show their combat prowess and also some scorching lovemaking scenes. The novel contains a number of engaging characters: her powerful uncle Damon, also from Angelis, who exudes charm, strength and humour; her best friend Cait, a werewolf and Cait’s father Keegan and of course her very own Simon, who is a girl’s dream.

I enjoyed the read and the author and the series has a lot of promise.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of the novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Blurb

My name is Shannon O’Callaghan and I’m immortal. I live in an amazing world of time travel and magic, where vampires and werewolves are normal and I call them family A family some would say are monsters, but they love me unconditionally and it’s the life I was meant to live. My father was Connor O’Callaghan, a visionary that led the wolves to peace and prosperity. My mother was Callidora Angelis, a Royal vampire from another time dimension. Their love and life together are what made my life possible, but, it is also what caused their death. And, it’s their death that fuels my journey of revenge on those who stole my life.
This immortal word is controlled by The Vampire Assembly. The Assembly is an evil group of twelve who decides the fate of its followers. They are devils dressed like mortal men who kill with pleasure and live off of blood slaves they keep in their dungeons. They are evil, they are responsible for my parents’ death, and I will see them dead. My day for revenge is finally coming and The Assembly is mine to kill. Then and only then will I rule this land as their queen.

My Review

Sexy and Fast-Paced! ~ 4 stars

The pace and the action hot up in Shannon’s Revenge, book #2 in the Angelis Vampire series. Shannon is now coming to terms with her considerable powers and, despite a few minor hiccups, she is starting to show great promise as a warrior and future ruler. Uncle Damon and Shaman Neeb, not to mention Cait her best friend and life-mate Simon are all on hand to support her through the process.

It is only a matter of time before Shannon, supported by an alliance of vampires, werewolves and the Elvin race, goes head to head with the Vampire Assembly and its leader x. Before this happens Shannon needs to bide her time, hone her growing powers and magic strike when the time is right. Yet the council leader Antonious is no fool and Shannon and her supporters will need all their wits about them.

I enjoyed the Shannon’s growth and character development in this novel and also how the author developed the other characters, especially Uncle Damon, with whom she has many verbal sparring matches. I loved the sexy scenes between Shannon and Simon, the humour and also the many action scene. Shannon is a powerful role model and heroine for although she has a soft heart she is a powerful immortal and is no one’s fool. She does not hesitate to do what is necessary and is dedicated to her goal of annihilating the Vampire Assembly. The ending is a worthy one.

Recommended for lovers of paranormal/fantasy romance who like an erotic read and a strong heroine.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Blurb

Death has arrived in earth’s time dimension. A foul stench filled Shannon’s nose, a smell of sulfur and death. This might have been a vision, but her power spiked as she sensed the source and moved towards it. Her life force surrounded her as her swords appeared in her hands. She gripped them tightly and stepped through a massive oak door. Before her stood a giant of a man.

His essence was black as coal, and his soul had long been lost to his dark side. His ancient leather armor looked old and battled; it smelled musty from the dried blood and looked dry and brittle. This had to be Kyran. Evil always had a dirty, unkempt appearance, and his aura was encircled with death. She could sense his blood was similar to Damon’s, and she knew she would take great pleasure in killing him someday. But what happens when Kyran is taken to earth’s time dimension by Neeb’s evil brother, seeking to kill the remaining royal Angelian family and end their bloodline forever.

In this riveting spin off from Shane North’s Angelis Vampire Series, an unknown Angelian is faced with death, her new life and the destiny the fates have planned for her.

My Review

High Octane and Entertaining! ~ 4 stars

Reagan’s Destiny is both a spin off and a continuation of the story arc contained in the previous novels in the series, Shannon and Shannon’s Revenge. The Vampire Council having been dealt with, the threat in this novel comes from Angelis no less, the medieval and magical world where Shannon’s mother and uncle were compelled to leave. Evil in the form of Kyran stalks Shannon and her uncle Damon, intent on destroying what remains of the royal Angelian family.

Reagan, a young woman with Angelian blood plays a key role in this battle and I enjoyed how this novel focused on her story, whilst including the characters I have grown to love from earlier novels. Shannon and Cait are destined to forge a strong relationship with this headstrong individual, but the path to their burgeoning friendship is not plain sailing. We know from Shannon’s trials that adapting to a life of an immortal and facing up to one’s destiny is not always easy and the author does a god job of exploring these issues, whilst maintaining a high octane and entertaining read.

Reagan is fortunate in that she manages to find unexpected love in the form of the vampire Lucius who she finds is her life mate. There are plenty of hot, sweet and romantic interludes amongst the bloody battle scenes and magic and I enjoyed the contrasting scenes. Kyran, as a powerful Angelian, is a well drawn and formidable enemy. Aided by the brother of Shaman Neeb, it will take everything Reagan, Shannon and Damon have in their arsenal to bring about his downfall.

Recommended to fans of paranormal/fantasy romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of the novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

She’s back! Wicce Julia is hoping to bring peace to the Beautiful Immortals as the werewolves and vampires are at war with each other. But, do both sides really want to negotiate? It appears not. After travelling with weres to find the vampires, it cannot be helped that by spending time with them she is starting to find friends among them. And, as it is the weres who appear in more danger, the reader won’t help but side with them during the beginning of this series. With chases, fights, romance, mystery and magic this is a must-read for any paranormal/horror fan!

Title: Vampires of Maze (Part Three) (Beautiful Immortals, series 2)

Author: Tim O’Rourke

Genre: Paranormal thriller/adventure/romance

Release date: April 1st, 2016

Length: 65 pages

Blurb:From Tim O’Rourke #1 bestselling author of ‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Beautiful Immortals Series One) comes ‘Vampires of Maze’ (Beautiful Immortals Series Two) a vampire and werewolf romance with a twist.

Witch, Julia Miller, has been sent by the Wicce to bring an end to the war that rages between the Beautiful Immortals. Joining a pack of werewolves, Julia must travel with them to a land unknown to her. Here she will learn the horrifying truth about the dark secrets hidden in the town of Maze.

To stay alive, Julia will not only have to figure out who to trust but also who to love. For Julia’s worst nightmares are about to get a whole lot more terrifying as she heads into the war raging between the vampires and werewolves where even her own magic abilities won’t be able to protect her.

Note: This ends on an unbearable cliff-hanger. Part Four will be published within the next few weeks.

For readers 16+

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

The story picks up exactly where we left off in Vampires of Maze part 2 within it’s first sentence. That terrifying cliff-hanger from book 2 is answered immediately. However, there is no time for calm as soon afterwards Julia and her were-friends are being chased down by many vampires. This is a fantastic action sequence with the speed of the chase and bullets being fired all over the place.

Julia was hoping to negotiate between the wolves and vampires to bring peace and stop the war between the two Beautiful Immortals. However, Julia’s thoughts begin to change as she realises that the vampires do not seem willing.

“And as the vampires looked through the air at us, faces twisted with hate and claws scratching the walls… any ideas I might have of ever finding peace with these creatures seemed impossible.”

We are clearly reminded of previous scenes from earlier on in the story via great dialog. In this instalment we discover what Julia’s nightmares entail, and why she can’t let herself become too close to a Beautiful Immortal.

I love Morten’s character: an older were that has guided them to where the vampires are at Maze. He has stayed in their company and worked with them, but he has appeared quite fragile until now. His courage and loyalty shows greatly in this instalment.

“… with an agility and speed that defied his decrepit look, Morten once more sprang into the air.”

Werewolves Trent and Calix come across as quite protective of Julia. They support many of her ideas, and even calm Rhea as her jealousy and suspicions of Julia and Trent burn more ferociously. I do believe that they Trent and Calix are taken with Julia and like her in an intimate way, however she also may be the answer they need as they begin to realise the wicce powers she possesses.

With every story I read of Tim O’Rourke‘s I feel I am taken as far as my threshold will go in terms of terror, suspense, thrills, passion and emotion; and yet there is always more with surprises and shocks, and even gentle, tender moments from some of the tougher characters when you least expect them.

The author writes so clearly and straightforward, with great description that you escape in the story and become a part of it. A rare quality that fans of the author embrace easily. Book 4 of Vampires of Maze is due for release in early May.

A copy of Vampires of Maze part 3 was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

The Beautiful Immortals series 2 is continued with the second instalment of Vampires of Maze. The war between the vamps and weres has been well under way, and it appears that there are few shifters left. Wicce, Julia, travels to England with a small group of weres in the hope of negotiating with the vampires to keep all parties, including humans, alive. But, is it possible to negotiate with such beings? Is she experienced enough? And, what of her personal feelings to the weres around her? She can only keep her distance to a certain degree from those she travels with. As tension runs high, and action is inevitable, you’ll be holding onto your seats with this paranormal thriller series from the talented Tim O’Rourke.

Please scroll down for a chance to WIN a SIGNED COPY of Vampires of Maze part 1 🙂

Title: Vampires of Maze (Part Two) (Beautiful Immortals, series 2)

Author: Tim O’Rourke

Genre: Paranormal thriller/adventure/romance

Release date: March 12th, 2016

Length: 70 pages

Blurb:From Tim O’Rourke #1 bestselling author of ‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Beautiful Immortals Series One) comes ‘Vampires of Maze’ (Beautiful Immortals Series Two) a vampire and werewolf romance with a twist.

Witch, Julia Miller, has been sent by the Wicce to bring an end to the war that rages between the Beautiful Immortals. Joining a pack of werewolves, Julia must travel with them to a land unknown to her. Here she will learn the horrifying truth about the dark secrets hidden in the town of Maze.

To stay alive, Julia will not only have to figure out who to trust but also who to love. For Julia’s worst nightmares are about to get a whole lot more terrifying as she heads into the war raging between the vampires and werewolves where even her own magic abilities won’t be able to protect her.

Note: This ends on an unbearable cliff-hanger. Part Three will be published within the next few weeks.

For readers 16+

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

Vampires of Maze creates so much suspense and tension that the reader is glued to their seat. Tie that in with the action and gore, and the reader becomes easily addicted, awaiting the next instalment just as many viewers feel towards The Walking Dead (tv series). And, like the tv series, the Beautiful Immortal series leaves you each time on a terrifying cliff-hanger.

As a fan of O’Rourke’s work, I am quite prepared for the cliff-hangers, knowing that I will be in suspense until the next instalment, and knowing that they are going to be truly great. And, although they are all usually very surprising and horrifying at times, nothing quite prepared me for the SHOCK I was to find at the end of this particular episode! It’s written fantastically, but will leave you quite gob-smacked (although I am hoping for a different outcome than the one suggested). It’s a great thing we won’t have to wait too long before the next instalment is to be released!

Julia, the Wicce, and the small group of werewolves that she has travelled with are bound for where they believe the vampires are in the village of Maze. Although, they both have differing plans on how to end the war between the vampires and wolves; the weres are ready to attack and fight to the vampires death it seems, whereas Julia is hoping to negotiate, thus saving everyone including humans. Is she really that naïve to think the vampires would even listen? Or, can she stun them enough, using her magic, and then speak with them?

Julia is mocked and given her fair share of sarcastic comments, especially coming from were Rea. There has already been tension between the two, and this escalates when Julia is found in Trent’s arms after waking from a terrible nightmare. Although an innocent situation, Rea doesn’t exactly see it this way, and it is clear that Rea has deep feelings for her old lover. Will Rea be an enemy of Julia’s or can they reconcile their differences?

The were character, Calix, is growing on me more and more. Yes, he opens his mouth, he’s sarcastic and he likes a cheeky feel of Julia every now and then, but there is still a feeling that he has Julia’s back and sometimes has a kind word to say for her, even if he’s unsure of her Wicce ways. In my last review of Vampires of Maze part 1I likened him to the character of Ajax in the 1970’s cult movie The Warriors, and I still felt the same way in this instalment. My favourite of Tim’s male characters is were Harry Turner from the time-travel paranormal Samantha Carterseries, but Calix is great competition for first place.

This short story builds up suspense and is not without some fast-paced action, horror and gore. It’s terrifyingly exciting, full of mystery and holds a great deal of atmosphere. You’ll feel a part of the team with Julia and the shifters, and you won’t want to leave it there. I cannot wait for the next part of their journey!

A copy of Vampires of Maze part 2 was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

GIVEAWAY!!!

For a chance to win one of two paperback copies all you have to do is add your name in the comments list below (or on our Facebook page) before Friday 8th April 2016, when the two lucky winners will be randomly selected. (We’d also appreciate a ‘share’ or retweet where possible.)

Modern Gothic Horror/Paranormal

Bloody AMAZING!

Do yourself a HUGE favour – if you only read ONE horror/vampire themed book this year then make sure that it is this one! I first read Alistair Cross when I reviewed. Darker Shadows: The Ghosts of Ravencrest book 1, his collaborative work with Tamara Thorne, a Gothic erotica which let me salivating for more. In The Crimson Corset Alistair has excelled himself with a tale that not only has a lot of bite but also plays with the readers’ emotions, in one scary, bloody and lust filled ride! Scroll down to read the book blurb and my review in full. Tina ❤

Blurb

Welcome to Crimson Cove

Sheltered by ancient redwoods overlooking the California coast, the cozy village of Crimson Cove has it all: sophisticated retreats, fine dining, and a notorious nightclub, The Crimson Corset. It seems like a perfect place to relax and get close to nature. But not everything in Crimson Cove is natural.

When Cade Colter moves to town, he expects it to be peaceful to the point of boredom. But he quickly learns that after the sun sets and the fog rolls in, the little tourist town takes on a whole new kind of life – and death.

Darkness at the Edge of Town

Renowned for its wild parties and history of debauchery, The Crimson Corset looms on the edge of town, inviting patrons to sate their most depraved desires and slake their darkest thirsts. Proprietor Gretchen VanTreese has waited centuries to annihilate the Old World vampires on the other side of town and create a new race – a race that she alone will rule. When she realizes Cade Colter has the key that will unlock her plan, she begins laying an elaborate trap that will put everyone around him in mortal danger.

Blood Wars

The streets are running red with blood, and as violence and murder ravage the night, Cade must face the darkest forces inside himself, and perhaps even abandon his own humanity, in order to protect what he loves.

“Put Bram Stoker in a giant cocktail shaker, add a pinch of Laurell K. Hamilton, a shot of John Carpenter, and a healthy jigger of absinthe, and you’ll end up with Alistair Cross’s modern Gothic chiller, “The Crimson Corset” – a deliciously terrifying tale that will sink its teeth into you from page one.” – Jay Bonansinga, New York Times Bestselling author of THE WALKING DEAD: INVASION and LUCID

“This drop-deadly tale of seduction and terror will leave you begging to be fanged … ” – Tamara Thorne, international bestselling author of HAUNTED and MOONFALL

“I couldn’t put this book down. It’s got more hooks than a day boat out of San Pedro Harbor!” – QL Pearce, bestselling author of SCARY STORIES FOR SLEEP-OVERS

My Review

Bloody AMAZING! FIVE FANGS! *****

Do yourself a HUGE favour – if you only read ONE horror/vampire themed book this year then be sure to make it The Crimson Corset by Alistair Cross. Horror lovers will adore its unashamed gore and graveyard humour and it has plenty of romance to satisfy paranormal romance fans who fancy a darker, Gothic inspired read!I first read Mr Cross when I reviewed. Darker Shadows: The Ghosts of Ravencrest book 1, his collaborative work with Tamara Thorne, a Gothic erotic which left me salivating for more. In The Crimson Corset Alistair has excelled himself with a tale that not only has a lot of bite but also plays with the readers’ emotions, in one scary, bloody and lust filled ride!

The novel is full of memorable, quirky characters who populate the West Coast tourist town of Crimson Cove. Yet unknown to most, evil exists among them and one powerful vampire temptress, Gretchen VanTresse, has her sights on Cade, who has something she craves very badly indeed…… She will stop at nothing to get her hands on him, regardless of collateral damage, her sights set on ruling her kind and subjugating the human race. Gretchen is a formidable adversary: beautiful, deadly and remorseless in her quest for power. Yet, despite her undeniable evil which borders on madness, I could not help but have a sneaking respect and fascination for her as she is such a great kick-ass character!

Yet Gretchen does not bank on the bonds of brotherly love and friendship which exist between Cade, his big brother Brooks and Ethan the town’s sheriff. These three seriously hot men have each other’s back and when the chips are down they risk life and limb and their own humanity to annihilate her and her cohorts. Add a hefty dose of romance, some intriguing vamps from the other side of town (they are not all evil) to the bloody mix of terror and seduction and you have a read that will remain in your conscious and unconscious mind long into the darkness of the night and beyond……. To reveal more of the plot would spoil the adventure that I urge you embark on by reading this book!

Once more Alistair Cross’ writing and characterisations are truly sublime. The lush, often gothic like descriptions of Crimson Cove after dark contrast well with the seemingly mundane details of everyday life in the small town. The read had me quaking in my boots one minute to smiling at the wry humour and quirky exploits of its characters.

I sincerely hope that Mr Cross has the next book in this series lined up soon as I am itching to learn more about the many characters, humans and vampires, that he introduced. Highly recommended to fans of horror and the paranormal alike.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

C.J. Pinard has triumphed again with this fantastic fantasy paranormal romance series, Rebel Riders. Soul Release is the third and final instalment of this brilliant urban fantasy, and is released today! I am sorry to see the end of this series as it had me gripped from the beginning to end. The way it is written, the atmosphere created, the flawed characters and general adventure, with mystery, suspense and romance, has certainly made this a 5* read that I hope many of you will enjoy!

Faced with the horrible reality that he’s been tricked by Eva, Nolan sets off in a mad rage to find the evil red-haired succubus and end her once and for all. When the search for her falls flat, he turns to Kovah and the Rebel Riders for help. Not only fueled by wrath, a now sudden fear and sadness has also overtaken his heart: Where is his love, Charity?

With Joel Reichert searching deep for what the Justice Department knows about the supernatural of New Orleans, he’s not going to be of any help to Nolan – especially once Nolan finds out what Kovah and the Riders are planning for Joel and his hotel of vampires.

Can they all work together to find Charity and rid Louisiana of her evil succubus sister once and for all? Or will pride, egos, and longstanding feuds and hatred tear them all apart before she can be found?

Find out in this third and final instalment of the Rebel Riders Series.

Wow! What a ride of adventure, mystery and action has C.J. Pinard taken us on? The Rebel Riders series has been one of the most gripping urban fantasies I have read in a long time! The atmosphere created in all three books is amazing. I love the darkness, the eeriness, the mystery and suspense as we hope that there is a way for Nolan to end the life of the red-headed succubus twin sister of his girlfriend, who has taken his soul and left him neither human or vamp, but somewhere in between the two.

The series has become darker still, with Eva, the succubus, kidnapping her twin sister, Charity, and then pretending to be Charity, trying it on with Nolan in order to completely take his whole soul for good. The reader’s suspense will grow to a great height during these early scenes of the story, as we all hope that Nolan can see through Eva’s treachery.

The opening paragraphs of the very first chapter are very informative as we follow an old vampire businessman, Joel Reichert, as he tries to find out more about the Justice Department’s BSI (Bureau of Supernatural Investigation). Joel has been around a long time, but has only now learned of the department’s existence after talking with Nolan. These paragraphs also are a great way to recap readers of the previous books, and I love how the author does this at the same time as moving the story forward. This is just the onset for a suspenseful first chapter!

“After his meeting with succubus victims, Nolan and Kovah, he (Joel) had learned that the federal government had their very own branch of the Justice Department whose sole purpose was to monitor people like him – vampires – along with the other supernaturals in the world.

The fact that not only had Nolan survived a succubus’s attempt at stealing his soul, combined with his friend Kovah surviving the same assault, Joel’s eyes had been opened very wide in the past week. Living as long as he had, he thought he knew everything there was to know about the world of vampires, succubae, and whatever else there was out there. But the knowledge he’d gained of new things recently had both excited and frightened him. How much more was out there that he didn’t know about? His mind was simultaneously exhilarated and terrified.”

As the story moves on and Nolan realises that Charity is missing, his gut tells him that she has been taken by Eva. The last time he spoke to Charity she had been annoyed with him for going off to New Orleans. Now all he wants to do is find her and tell her how sorry he is for leaving her, even if she is still mad at him. He just wants her to be safe.

Likewise, Charity is hoping so badly that Eva hasn’t killed Nolan. She wants to make things right between them. But, how will she ever get to deal with any of that being tied to the bed in the desolate mansion, in the middle of nowhere. Despite both of their fears, and love they have for each other, they are both at the point were they feel complete hatred for Eva, with both of them visualising her being killed. Charity wonders about leaving Eva out in the sun, or maybe killing her with a stake. While Nolan thinks about stabbing her whilst watching the blood squirt from her chest. This shows his slight vampire tendency here, especially with the choice of words that the author uses. He not only enjoys this thought in a vengeful manner, but contemplates how her blood will leave her body.

There is also a dark fairy-tale element, with Eva (the bad witch) locking Charity (the princess) upstairs in the old, swampy mansion (tower). Of course, Nolan is the hero-to-be that we all hope for in releasing Charity and killing Eva. I love this fantastic simile. It is one that grabs the attention of most, it simplifies an otherwise very dark and more mature read, drawing attention to a wider audience, at the same time as provide the reader with hope.

“She (Charity) got up and walked to the window, her right arm stretched as far as possible so she could peer out of the small window again. She gazed out over the swamps that surrounded the side of the house where her prison was, as if it was some makeshift moat and she was a princess trapped high in a castle’s tower. But she was no princess and that was no moat.”

Even Kovah refers to Nolan as a hero when giving him a pep talk.

“… We go to their place, get back your girl, you’re the hero, happily ever after. Easy.”

But, is it really going to be that easy? Nolan could do with all the help he can get. Bringing in Kovah, the Rebel Riders, and even Joel Reichert could mean all the difference for him to save Charity and be rid of Eva once and for all. However, behind the scenes the Rebel Riders are always going to be out to kill any vamp they can get their hands on, believing them all to be monsters and a danger to all humans. Surely it is best to be rid of them all? Joel is in a vulnerable position, without realising it.

And, with a disagreement at a bar with Kovah, Nolan leaves by himself. Will he be able to take Eva’s group down alone? Will he get to Charity? Or, will Eva manage to get her hands on him again?

In book 2, Soul Redemption, we were introduced to a brilliant character in Kovah. He was so similar to Nolan, but against him for the same reasons. They overcame their differences and became friends. It would be a shame for that to be thrown away over a stupid argument! Now, in Soul Release, the reader is subjected to another new character in Janice. Janice is a super character, who also adds a little fun and ‘relief’ to the otherwise dark story content, albeit still a mature read.

“The walls were blood red and he could see some type of swing made of leather hanging from the ceiling. There was also a wall of medieval-looking weapons and torture devices that took up the entire east wall….

… Nolan decided he had seen enough…

… She gently grabbed his arm and smiled.

‘Don’t be scared. I only use these things to play with other vampires. I don’t use them on humans.'”

This series is very addictive. C.J. Pinard has gone from strength to strength, and the Rebel Riders is certainly my favourite series yet. Lovers of her work will surely be calling out for more from this author, and hopefully it won’t be too long before we can read more from her again!

An Advanced Reader’s Copy was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

C.J. is a west coast native who has lived on both coasts and now lives near the middle, in Colorado! Coming from a family of writers and editors, she feels writing is in her blood and hopes people will lose themselves for a little while in the fantasy and fun of her stories. She also loves sweet red wine, the SF 49ers, and unlike most authors, doesn’t have any cats (allergies!). When she’s not writing, she can be found chasing around her kids or working at her day job, which she totally feels interferes with life, but it also gives her inspiration for her books, since reality is sometimes way more interesting than fiction.

She also loves getting notifications that people have sent her an email, added her on Facebook, or on Twitter. So stop by and say hi – don’t be shy! She’s not! 🙂